Labyrinth Research Bibliography

This downloadable Bibliography has all entries sorted by author. The entries in the bibliography have been categorized below by topic and also by type (doctoral dissertation, journal article etc.).

Walking the labyrinth of our faith: From the frontier to the future

Petz, S.

Abstract: The focus of this paper is the planning, designing, creating and evaluating a labyrinth at Grace United Methodist Church in Olathe, Kansas. The purpose of this doctoral project was to raise the congregation's awareness of spiritual disciplines, in particular through the use of a labyrinth, and open possibilities for exploring journeys of faith. The project was a four-week period of education for the congregation and their utilization of the labyrinth as a spiritual discipline.

An impetus for the creation of the labyrinth was to dedicate holy space that could bring together the past, present, and future. The year 2008 is the sesquicentennial year of continuous ministry for the congregation. Bringing together the frontier heritage and dreaming for the future though the concrete reality of a labyrinth allowed the church to celebrate the past 150 years, give thanks for the faithful journey of so many individuals who laid the foundation for ministry and service, offer a place of prayer and reflection for those growing in their spiritual life today, and lay groundwork so that all the generations yet to come will have the opportunity to grow in their faith as well.

The comments, stories, and reflections from those who walked the labyrinth during the educational project phase indicate that even in its initial use, the labyrinth was successful. We live in a world that is often so busy that individuals forget or do not take time to spend time with God. Through this project, people were able and encouraged to release their burdens, worry, grief and pain, renew their relationship with God, receive from God, and then return to the world. Through this, lives were changed and transformed.